AP News

A Texas federal judge ruled that a 1930s law regulating firearm suppressors and dangerous guns cannot be enforced, citing the elimination of taxes on these items under a bill signed by President Donald Trump. The decision allows firearm owners to purchase such items without registration and removes a layer of background checks, sparking reactions from gun rights groups and opponents.

Archbishop Sarah Mullally concluded her Africa tour with a call for healing related to the Church of England's historical ties to the slave trade. She defended the church's 100 million pound reparations fund during visits to Ghana and Cameroon, emphasizing peace-building efforts in conflict-affected Cameroon.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are releasing veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after a poor performance, including a .203 average and 8 home runs in 70 games, and will promote Ronny Simon from Triple-A to fill his roster spot. The move aims to strengthen the team's playoff chances as they trail for the National League's third wild-card spot.

Lindsay Clancy's former nanny testified at her murder trial that Clancy appeared to be a loving mother to her three children before they were killed. The defense argues Clancy suffered from postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors claim she acted intentionally. The nanny described Clancy as attentive to her children's needs but noted she was losing weight and struggling with sleep.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 51-44 vote. Schwartz, with a background in medicine, law, and leadership roles at the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general, will lead the CDC amid challenges including political interference and a significant loss of staff under President Donald Trump's administration.

Dick Vitale, an ESPN college basketball announcer, reports positive blood test results and effective immunotherapy treatment following his fifth cancer diagnosis. He has previously battled melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer, and lymph node cancer since 2021. Vitale is associated with the Jimmy V Award and The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Stefon Diggs is signing with the Washington Commanders for next season in a deal worth up to $12 million, according to an AP source. Diggs, who played last season with New England and was released in March, was found not guilty in May on criminal charges related to a dispute with his former private chef, and the NFL said he will not face discipline.

A record heat wave has caused heat-related illnesses, deaths, and livestock losses across South Korea, North Korea, and Japan. South Korea declared the heat a 'national disaster,' while North Korea advised eating dog meat to combat the heat. Over 18,000 people with heat stroke symptoms were hospitalized in Japan during one week.

A man accused of murdering Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Jane Ross and hiding her body in a suitcase appeared in court in Athens, Greece. Identified via CCTV footage, the suspect, an Afghan migrant, was charged with murder and robbery. The UK National Crime Agency, Police Scotland, and US law enforcement assisted in the investigation.

China announced countermeasures against the U.S., including export controls on drones and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to U.S. restrictions on Chinese drones and entities linked to forced labor. The measures aim to address what China calls violations of bilateral agreements and threats to its rights, with warnings of further sanctions if the U.S. imposes additional restrictions.

The World Health Organization's chief has arrived in Congo to address the country's Ebola outbreak, which has reached nearly 4,000 cases and 1,751 deaths. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the second-largest in history and faces challenges including limited access to remote areas, unapproved treatments, and health worker strikes over unpaid wages.

Taiwan began its annual Han Kuang military exercises to simulate responses to a potential Chinese invasion, testing new U.S.-inspired communication methods, mobilizing over 5,000 reservists, and conducting urban resilience drills with internet disruption simulations. The exercises include live-fire drills, defense operations, and testing of newly acquired U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks, while a pending $14 billion U.S. arms sale package remains under review.

Jetstar, an Australian budget airline, will begin charging passengers to store carry-on bags in overhead lockers starting February 2027. The fee, starting at 25 Australian dollars, aims to reduce boarding stress and streamline flight departures by encouraging use of under-seat storage for free. This move follows similar practices by U.S. and European low-cost carriers.

Honda's profit for the fiscal first quarter doubled to 456.9 billion yen, driven by strong sales in the U.S. and India, despite challenges in China. The company is recovering from a historic annual loss linked to costly electric-vehicle plans and U.S. policy impacts, and now forecasts a return to profitability this fiscal year.

Olympic champion swimmer Chad le Clos revealed his home in Cape Town was destroyed in a fire on July 30 while he was competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The fire also claimed the life of an elderly neighbor, and le Clos announced his foundation would help other affected residents rebuild.

Flights at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport were disrupted overnight due to a reported flying object and another object near a runway. An anti-explosives robot was deployed to inspect the second object, and the south runway remained closed Wednesday morning.

Nepal’s Gandaki province has legalized medical cannabis farming and use despite a national ban. The provincial law requires farmers to obtain official permission and be monitored, while national law prohibits possession and distribution of marijuana. Cannabis is culturally significant in Nepal, particularly during festivals like Shivaratri.

Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv and surrounding regions killed at least 15 people and wounded 42 others. Fires broke out in multiple locations, including warehouses and logistics facilities, as Ukraine struggles with limited air defense capabilities against large-scale Russian attacks.

President Donald Trump stated a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Wednesday or Thursday. Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement where ships would enter through an Iranian-controlled route and exit via an Omani-controlled route, with security and environmental fees. Oil prices eased amid hopes for a resolution to the conflict.

Asian stock markets surged and oil prices fell due to hopes for a Middle East deal and strong corporate earnings. Tech and semiconductor stocks led gains in Tokyo, Seoul, and Taiwan, while Brent crude dropped on progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz.